Examines whether elementary school children have the interest or ability to understand philosophy. Suggests that philosophical thinking among children should be encouraged and that it should take place in the terms and concepts of ordinary language with which children are comfortable. (Author/DB)

Offers suggestions for use by parents and teachers to encourage children to read for pleasure. (FL)

Noting that most children enter school with a natural interest in writing, this digest discusses how elementary school teachers can become actively involved in teaching creative writing to their students. The digest considers several reasons for teaching creative writing, provides practical suggestions from other teachers about teaching story…

Describes how implementing a free activities period at the beginning of the regular class day can encourage creative, independent art projects; development of positive self-attitudes; and reading and writing behaviors and can lower rebellious classroom behavior by providing students with some measure of classroom control. (CRH)

Based on Louise Rosenblatt's transactional theory of reader response, the studies collected in this book present findings and recommendations that contribute to the understanding of how children create meaning from stories, how they acquire literacy skills to express that meaning, and what role educators play in these literary processes. The book…

Reports findings of a survey of elementary school children concerning their preferences when being read to by others. Gives their responses to the survey's 11 questions and draws recommendations from them. (FL)

This book is the story of the founder of the Awakening Seed School, who reveals how her childhood interests and experiences have influenced what she has created in her own school and classroom. Using the metaphor of a quilt, the book shows how teaching can be approached as a "handmade" process and how the materials of everyday life can…

Explains how read-aloud sessions can be developed in ways that help children deal with common concerns. Offers an example. (FL)

This guide contains detailed and thoughtful descriptions of 175 recommended books that teachers and parents can read to children--this revised and expanded edition carries a new section on reading aloud from infancy to kindergarten. Following a foreword by "Mister Rogers," chapters in the guide are entitled: (1) Why Bother? The Case for Reading…

Presents an interview with the founder and director of the Riley School in Maine in which she discusses the school's educational philosophy and practices, curriculum design, and physical plant design. (BB)

The wealth of information gleaned from reading research both past and present needs to be applied to a practical eclectic reading methodology. First, an emergent instruction model needs to be created that takes into account the immediate interests and needs of the learner. This model should recognize that learning is a transaction, with the…